January 24, 1933 - December 5, 2021
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Jacob (Jim) Spyker, after an eventful and wonderful life. Jacob was born in Rijnsaterwoude, Holland, the seventh of eleven children born to Pieter and Lena Spijker. He emigrated to Canada in May 1954 for the adventure and the opportunities ahead in building and construction. He stopped in Ontario to visit with two of his brothers that had settled there earlier and in 1955 he moved to Calgary, Alberta ("God's country" as he called it), where he attended SAIT and got busy building a carpentry and hardware business, Better Living Enterprises. In Calgary he met the love of his life Rita Loreen Spyker (nee Mayder), whom he married on December 23, 1960, and was with for almost 50 years, before her passing in 2010.
Jacob will be dearly missed by his family, relatives, and friends. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Suzan and grandchildren Sage and Tansy; son David (Nouha) and grandchildren Michael, Matthew, and Melissa; son Pieter (Lynn) and grandchildren Jacob, Erin, and Rachel; daughter Sharon (Rob) connected with over an incredible lifetime. Lafreniere and grandchildren Emma and Laura: and son James and grandchild Finn.
Jacob was a master carpenter and builder. He could expertly craft any idea or design his wife or children brought to him. He enjoyed people and he would always remember your name, where you came from, and other little anecdotes. He was friendly, caring, and loved to inspire a laugh.
His epitaph reads: Family first and foremost. To Dad, family wasn't just immediate family, but included the many people he has met and
There will be a celebration of Jacob's life in the spring of 2022.
Dad believed strongly in education and in support of that, he left legacy scholarship funds in the family name to support students pursuing the arts, nursing, and carpentry programs at Red Deer Polytechnic.
Donations on Jacob's behalf may be sent to The Golden Circle Senior Resource Center in Red Deer, Alberta. Jacob, was always wanting to help and this was a resource to many that our Mom and Dad always believed in.